Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday extended initial financial assistance to the family of a 15-year-old boy who died earlier this week after being stabbed by another minor while walking home along Blumentritt Street in Sampaloc, Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-National Capital Region (NCR) Field Office provided PHP10,000 in financial assistance and two family food packs as initial aid to the victim's family. 'Ang DSWD ay nakikiramay sa pagkasawi ng isang menor de edad na nasaksak ng isang child in conflict with the law (CICL) sa Sampaloc nitong nakaraang Martes. Nagbahagi ng PHP10,000 financial assistance at dalawang family food packs ang DSWD-NCR bilang paunang tulong sa pamilya ng biktima (The DSWD offers condolences to the family of a minor who was stabbed by a child in conflict with the law in Sampaloc last Tuesday. PHP10,000 financial assistance and two family food packs were extended by DSWD-NCR as initial aid to the victim's family),' DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement.

Police reported that the victim was walking home with his three cousins, who were also minors, when a group of unidentified youths, including the suspect, challenged them to a fistfight. The victim and his companions ignored the provocation, but the group allegedly pursued them, leading to an altercation.

During the commotion, the suspect reportedly drew a bladed weapon and stabbed the victim in the neck. Despite his injury, the victim managed to flee but was later found unconscious. He was rushed to Ospital ng Sampaloc where he was declared dead on arrival.

Dumlao stated that the DSWD-NCR continues to coordinate with the victim's family and will provide psychosocial support to the victim's three cousins, who witnessed the incident. She added that the agency would ensure that legal and administrative procedures governing cases involving a child in conflict with the law are strictly observed. 'Sinisigurado po namin na lahat ng (We ensure that) duty-bearers, kabilang na ang (including) law enforcement units, ay susunod sa mga (will follow) existing protocols and procedures alinsunod sa (in accordance with the) Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended,' she said.